think lovely thoughts

well.  we certainly enjoyed our holidays:  samuel's birthday at the BYU basketball game, a magical christmas that seemed less "run around" this year, lots of preparations and planning for the new year's party that was really cute but only enjoyed halfway, checked off a few appointments including a visit to the doc for the annual check-up and a visit to the hair salon [bay was right-- I was overreacting about the bleach/highlighting incident], seeing wonderful friends who I don't get to see very often, two joyous weeks away from work, zoolights, temple square lights, a sleepover with lyv [complete with barbies and "paint polishing" our nails], the most delicious food I've had in a while, cleaning my house, and sleeping in.

and while december is a great time to be a third grade teacher, it is also a hard time. [bet you can guess why].  so it's nice to have a new start in january.  and I already feel like I have more energy to create valuable learning experiences for my students.  this is a happy thing-- because I was really on the verge of a burn out about three weeks ago.  it's nice to reflect on why I do what I do every once in a while, just to keep myself in check.

it feels like I have many of the same goals this year as I set for myself last year:
exercise regularly
temple monthly
become a better teacher
travel to somewhere new

so I have tried to think of a few more specific things I'd like to accomplish:
plant a garden and keep it alive all summer
focus on having meaningful relationships with friends and family
tell samuel how much I appreciate him more frequently
make dinner at least 3 times a week; try new recipes
save up for something expensive
read some books I've never read before
help my students to love learning

happy new year to you and yours.